Have you ever looked with dismay at your long task list, not knowing where to begin? You're not alone. A list, by itself, isn't of much use unless you prioritize the items on it. You can end up doing lots of tasks without feeling you have accomplished very much.

Some priorities are obvious. For instance, taking Fluffy to get her slightly overdue rabies shot will be more important than organizing your recipe box. Paying taxes on time will keep you out of trouble with the IRS, a clear priority. But many items are harder to classify.

Without a plan, we can find ourselves `fighting fires,' easily distracted by the next pressing demand. Meanwhile, we make little progress on some of the most important tasks, those that move us toward our goals and make a real difference in our lives.

There are different ways to prioritize your list. You can use a simple A-B-C ranking, focusing on the A's first, B's second, and C's last (if at all). I like the following method even better:

To begin, make your list as usual. Then rank each item 1-4 in terms, first of its urgency, and next, of its importance, with 4 being the greatest. Think of Urgent as `Must Be Done Soon' and of Important as `Must Be Done.' Urgent will be those things that have a clear deadline and/or, if neglected, might have a serious negative impact, such as legally, financially, or health-related. Next, multiply the two numbers for each task. Here's an example.

File quarterly tax return due tomorrow
(Urgency=4) (Importance=4) 4X4=16

Plan menu for weekend guests
(Urgency=2) (Importance=3) 2X3=6

Make reservations for restaurant date 3 days away
(Urgency=3) (Importance=3) 3X3=9

Sew costume for school plan next month
(Urgency=2) (Importance=4) 2X4=8

Wash car
(Urgency=2) (Importance=2) 2X2=4

Apply for the new job at your company
(Urgency=4) (Importance=3) 4X3=12

Your new list will then look like this in terms of priority.

1. File tax return

2. Apply for new job

3. Make dinner reservations

4. Sew school costume

5. Plan guest menu

6. Wash car

An item that's both urgent and important gets first priority. If something towards the bottom of your list doesn't get done, consequences are minimal. You may drive a dirty car for a few days, but your taxes will be done on time. Your guests probably won't mind if you 'wing it' when they come for dinner, and you just may have advanced your career.

Prioritizing with this method helps you balance your responsibilities with your goals. If two items come out with the same number, either make a quick value decision or toss a coin. You can redo your list day every day or so, depending on what makes the most sense to you. Priorities can change, tasks may be added, and making a new list regularly will keep you on top of things.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the NOVEMBER 2018 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND All of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the November Issue...

Sometimes a Change in Routine is Just What We Need
5 Non-Digital Organizing Things I Love
20 Places You Might Forget to Clean
Thanksgiving Then and Now.and The Changes We've Seen
Cookie Exchanges...it's Not Just About the Cookies
Recipe: Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas
Recipe: Quick Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili
A Dozen Ways to Take the Stress Out of Gift-Giving for the Holidays
Craft a Turkey Pumpkin 1-2-3
Blessings in Disguise

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on November 9th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON My Life: I count my blessings...instead of sheep
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GON Dirty Little Secret: I keep clutter from taking over my house with this easy idea...
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In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

* Purpose: That's the theme of the two quotes on my home page this week. Check them out, be inspired, and focus this 'word of the week' on yourself

* GON November Monthly Checklist: Haven't had a chance to see our NEW November 2018 Organizing Checklist yet? You can easily catch up!

* GON November Mini Challenges: Get your challenge done for Week 1 and see what's ahead

* Social Media Feature: Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Here's a planning checklist so you find yourself ahead of the game

Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
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'Life is as simple as these three questions: What do I want? Why do I want it? And, how will I achieve it?'
--Shannon L. Alder




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Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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